Change often came at a leisurely pace at the Ford Motor Company in the ’30s, but in 1939 the company finally embraced hydraulic brakes. Continue reading
1939: Ford Finally Adopts Hydraulic Brakes
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Category Archives: Technology
The 1965 Kaehni Ignition Mystery
In 1965, hot rodders were baffled by this ignition system with just one spark-plug wire to fire all eight plugs. How could that ever work? It did, and here’s how. Continue reading
Engine Knock and Pre-Ignition: A Beautiful Dynamic Animation
Here’s a crystal-clear look at engine knock and pre-ignition in a beautifully done digital animation. Continue reading
About Gasoline
If electric cars were commonplace today and we were studying gasoline as a possible alternative, some might consider it insane. Continue reading
What’s a Hooke’s Joint?
One of the most familiar components in the auto industry—the universal joint—was actually invented centuries before the automobile by a British scientist named Robert Hooke.
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A Hybrid Pioneer: 1980 Briggs & Stratton Gasoline/Electric
Making clever use of the available components and technology, way back in 1980 Briggs & Stratton created a gasoline/electric hybrid. Continue reading
Video: The USA’s Mightiest Radial Engine, the Wasp Major–Hear it Run!
With 4,360 cubic inches and 3,500 hp in standard tune, the Pratt & Whitney Wasp Major was the biggest U.S radial at the close of the piston era. Let’s hear it run. Continue reading